Home Plate Bar and Grill under construction

Home Plate Bar and Grill under construction

Ground has been broken for a new baseball-themed sports bar and grill at the corner of Koke Mill Road and Ginger Creek Drive in Springfield.

Asked about the location’s proximity to similar establishments, owners Jeff and Liz Friedman said that was a factor in the decision to build on the west side of town. “Everybody is busy; it’s easy to get in and out of that area. There are a lot of other places that are thriving right now,” said Jeff Friedman, who will serve as the manager of Home Plate Bar and Grill. “I think there’s plenty for everybody.”

While Jeff has worked in the insurance industry for the past 25 years, he said prior to that he had experience in the restaurant business. “I’m getting ready to retire from insurance, and I’m just going right back to work doing something else,” he said.

Liz said the restaurant plans to offer coffee and homemade desserts to attract daytime customers, in addition to a variety of beer and wine. Jeff noted the restaurant will also have a unique feature. “We’re going to be the only ones in town that have a double-decker beer garden,” he said.

The 3400 square foot building is being built by Joyner Construction Services and Evan Lloyd Associates is the architecture firm. An opening is planned for November.